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3 Simple Ways to Prevent Sports-Related Ankle Injuries

27 June 2019

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Sustaining a foot or ankle injury can be incredibly debilitating, especially if it limits your ability to play the sports you love. However, by making some smart choices, you can prevent injuries and subsequent downtime. Here are three simple ways to prevent sports-related ankle injuries. 

1. Wear Supportive Footwear

Oftentimes, foot and ankle injuries are caused when the ankle is moved at unnatural angles during play. Unfortunately, since not all sports shoes provide adequate ankle support, it can be easy to twist your ankle during play.

If you tend to have ankle problems or you are concerned about protecting your feet, focus on selecting high-top, supportive shoes with extra padding and lacing around the ankle. Consider talking with your podiatrist about which sports brands offer shoes with the most ankle support to protect the delicate bones, tendons, and ligaments in your feet and ankles. When testing out prospective shoes, try to perform some of the activities you would do during play to see if your foot and ankle feel stable. 

When you aren't playing sports, avoid wearing shoes that make it easy to twist your ankle, such as platform shoes or high heels. If you do wear these shoes, focus on wearing them as short of a timeframe as possible and then switching into supportive shoes to protect your feet.  

2. Avoid Uneven Ground

Uneven ground is another common culprit for causing sprained ankles and foot injuries since it is easier to trip when the place you are walking isn't level. These types of foot injuries are especially common if you play sports on an outdoor field since the ground can become uneven during play. However, damaged asphalt on a basketball court or even uneven concrete slabs leading into the arena can also create the perfect conditions for trips and falls. 

If possible, avoid uneven ground as much as possible during play. If you notice areas of the field that are very uneven, report the issue to a referee to see if they can halt the game to repair the area. Whenever you walk outside, try to take the smoothest path possible—especially if you aren't wearing the right shoes. Keep an eye on the road or sidewalk ahead of you, and slow down if you will be going through rough terrain. 

3. Listen to Your Body

Foot and ankle injuries are more common when you have previously hurt the area, so focus on listening to your body carefully. If your feet or ankles are sore or tender, try to stick with physical activities that don't put a lot of strain on your feet. Instead, focus on low-impact exercises during training like swimming to give your muscles and joints a rest. 

Remember, if you start experiencing foot or ankle problems, working with a doctor is crucial for your recovery. In addition to carefully diagnosing your condition, teams of professionals can also lay out a treatment plan tailored for your favorite sports, helping you to return to normal function as soon as possible. If you need treatment options, contact services such as Town Center Orthopaedic Associates, P.C.

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